Skip to content

Again, we may decry the color-prejudice of the South, yet…

“Again, we may decry the color-prejudice of the South, yet it remains a heavy fact. Such curious kinks of the human mind exist and must be reckoned with soberly. They cannot be laughed away, nor always successfully stormed at, nor easily abolished by act of legislature. And yet they must not be…” quote by W.E.B. Du Bois
Download Open image
““Again, we may decry the color-prejudice of the South, yet it remains a heavy fact. Such curious kinks of the human mind exist and must be reckoned with soberly. They cannot be laughed away, nor always successfully stormed at, nor easily abolished by act of legislature. And yet they must not be encouraged by being let alone. They must be recognized as facts, but unpleasant facts; things that stand in the way of civilization and religion and common decency. They can be met in but one way,—by the breadth and broadening of human reason, by catholicity of taste and culture.””

W.E.B. Du Bois

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Prejudice persists as a factual, uncomfortable reality; reason and cultural breadth must counter it.

In simple terms: Prejudice is a hard fact; reason can help.

Key Takeaway

Use reason and cultural openness to combat bias.

Themes

prejudice reason culture civilization

Mood

analytical hopeful

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • public discourse
  • policy making

Key Concepts

social psychology humanism pluralism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can broader cultural exposure reduce prejudice?
  • What role does reason play in social change?
A Different Perspective

Legislation alone cannot eradicate deep‑seated bias.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W.E.B. Du Bois

Explore all 53 W.E.B. Du Bois quotes

More Common decency quotes

Browse all 47 Common decency quotes